What The NBA Finals Winner Means for Basketball

The way the NBA builds their teams could be impacted by the winner of the finals

Last offseason caused quite a stir when Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors. The label ‘Super Team’ became synonymous with the Warriors and changed the face of the modern NBA for good. Basketball fans across the country were infuriated by the addition and they were justified during the 2017 season as the Warriors rolled to a 67-15 record.

The fans are right to be upset though, because the lack of competition is ridiculous. Yet, here we are in the middle of the NBA Finals and even the Olympic caliber Warriors are competing with Lebron and the Cavs. The outcome of the Finals could make a tremendous impact on how GMs look to build their teams.

If the Warriors win, the ‘Super Team’ approach to team building will be confirmed as an effective way to win a title. This scenario is not ideal as it will continue to drive star free agents to already loaded teams, leaving the rest of the NBA unable to compete. If this is the case, it will further water down the product of professional basketball. No body wants to see basketball any less interesting than it is already.

However, If the Cavs win, the ‘Super Team’ approach to team building will be discouraged, because not even they could win a title. We may see star free agents turn away from the idea of forming super teams and could even see Kevin Durant leave Golden State. A Cleveland win has the potential to reverse the trend of the NBA and possibly restore the competitive nature of the league.

This Finals looked like a forgone conclusion after Game 3, but if Lebron, Kyrie and the boys can rally to steal the series back, they may just save the NBA as we know it. Let’s hope so anyway.